Macedon Ranges elects new mayor

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December 2, 2025

MACEDON Ranges Shire Council has ushered in new leadership, with West Ward Councillor Kate Kendall elected Mayor and East Ward Councillor Cassy Borthwick appointed Deputy Mayor during a scheduled meeting in Gisborne on Tuesday, November 25.

Both roles will be held for a one-year term, marking the second mayoral and deputy mayoral appointments within the current four-year Council term.

Cr Kendall, who served as Deputy Mayor over the past year, said she was honoured to take on the top role and committed to strengthening engagement and trust across the community.

“Following a year of listening and action in my role as a Councillor and as Deputy Mayor, I’m really pleased to be given the opportunity to lead as Mayor for the coming year,” she said.

“I aim to build trust, transparency and tangible progress on priorities for the benefit of all ratepayers and residents of our amazing shire.”

With a professional background spanning journalism, digital leadership, business advisory and community building, Cr Kendall brings extensive experience to the mayoralty. She has founded three companies and established Atto, a start-up accelerator supporting women founders and backed by the Victorian Government. Holding degrees from the University of Melbourne and RMIT, she also serves as President of Business Kyneton.

Her stated priorities continue to centre on getting the basics right including roads and core services, while improving community consultation, communication, organisational efficiency and performance in Council’s annual satisfaction surveys.

Newly appointed Deputy Mayor Cassy Borthwick said she was grateful for the confidence shown in her by fellow Councillors.

“In my first year as a Councillor, I’ve eagerly learnt the ins and outs of the role, listened intently to residents, and stood for what I believed in,” Cr Borthwick said.

“As Deputy Mayor, I’ll continue to build on these initial stepping stones and advocate strongly on behalf of my community to action meaningful change.”

Cr Borthwick’s professional background is anchored in tourism, hospitality and community leadership. She established and operated a local café for several years, steering the business through the challenges of the pandemic and the 2021 storms before selling it. She later undertook the LEAD Loddon Murray Community Leadership program and is now studying mental health while working in addiction recovery.

Her focus as a Councillor includes amplifying local voices, strengthening community participation and fostering a more inclusive, connected and resilient Macedon Ranges.

The new leadership team will guide Council through the coming year as it works to deliver key services, advance strategic priorities and deepen engagement with residents across the shire.

Ex-mayor takes six-month leave

The North Central Review

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December 2, 2025

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MACEDON Ranges Shire Councillor and former mayor Dom Bonanno has been granted a six-month leave of absence following an October drink-driving incident that has sidelined him from public duties and prompted him to step back from leadership roles.

At the November council meeting, councillors endorsed Cr Bonanno’s request for personal leave through to May 2026, the duration of his six-month driving disqualification. The South Ward councillor, who did not attend the meeting, will forgo his full councillor allowance during the period.

The leave will also see Cr Bonanno and his family travel overseas, with the former mayor planning an extended trip to Europe during the first half of 2026. The journey will include time in Italy, fulfilling a long-standing promise to his seriously ill father to take his children back to their family’s origins.

The leave follows an incident on October 31, 2025, when Cr Bonanno was stopped by police in Gisborne South while driving the mayoral vehicle. He was found to be speeding and over the legal blood-alcohol limit. The offence resulted in an immediate loss of licence and a wave of public scrutiny.

Cr Bonanno stepped down as mayor and did not seek re-election to the position. He began personal leave almost immediately after the incident became public.

In a statement released shortly afterwards, he issued an unequivocal apology, saying he had let down his family, the council and the wider community.

Cr Bonanno is expected to resume his role as a councillor in May 2026.

Blasters and Panthers perform

Michael Thompson

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December 2, 2025

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IT’S finals time for the Country Basketball League North East competition, with Wallan and Seymour finishing its home-and-away seasons on a mostly good note.

The men’s competition sees Seymour the team to beat after completing its campaign on top of the ladder, and with a dominant 61-point demolition job of Myrtleford.

The Blasters bolted away from Myrtleford from the outset, holding the Saints to just five points in the first quarter as they established a 19-point lead at the first change, before scoring 30 points to nine to lead by 40 at the main break.

Seymour scored 44 more points in the second half to eventually record a 98-37 victory.

Tyler Best scored 25 points in the victory, while five other Blasters scored in double digits.

Wallan came from behind to earn a home final with a stirring five-point win over Shepparton in Shepparton.

The Gators stole a march in the opening quarter, scoring 26 points to 18 to lead by eight points.

However, led by Ryan Philippe’s 26 points, the Panthers slowly started to claw their way back into the game, cutting the margin by two points to trail 42-36 at the main change, before erupting in the third quarter.

The 28-16 run meant the Panthers led 64-58 at the final change, before a see-sawing final quarter saw the Panthers in front when it mattered most, winning 78-73.

Wallan’s women had a positive end to the season, scoring a six-point triumph over Shepparton to ensure it avoided the wooden spoon.

The Panthers got away to a seven-point lead at the opening change, and despite a Shepparton fightback which saw the margin whittled to two points at half time, the Panthers had all the answers.

They extended their lead back to eight by three-quarter-time, and in a thrilling, high-scoring final term, the Panthers held their nerve to win 79-73.

Carley Cranston had a night, scoring 30 points to help guide the Panthers to their second win of the campaign.

Despite a good start, Seymour couldn’t go on with it, and it will head into finals on the back of a 22-point loss to Myrtleford.

The Blasters started on a tear, scoring 20 points to seven in the first term, but the Saints got the game back under control in the second term, trailing by just two points by half time.

The Saints then cleared away, outscoring the Blasters by double digits in both the third and last quarters to eventually win 77-55.

Chloe Dimkopoulos scored 24 points, while Alex Martorella added 11 in the loss.

This weekend, Seymour will host Albury, while Wallan host Shepparton in the men’s competition, while Seymour’s women face a tough semi-final against minor premier Albury.

Tallarook and Seymour clear out

Michael Thompson

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December 2, 2025

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A COMPETITIVE day of cricket saw all three games in the Seymour District Cricket Association completed.

A big gap between the top two and the rest has now been established thanks to Tallarook’s eight-wicket win over Pyalong.

A good team performance from Tallarook was full of disciplined bowling, not allowing any Pyalong batsman to get away to a good start, with Matthew Wilkins’ 33 the best of the Pyalong batsmen.

Blake Munari-O’Dwyer, Xavier Arandt and Kalon Winnell each took two wickets as Tallarook held Pyalong to 9/108.

After that, Lachlan Watts guided Tallarook home as his 49 off 62 deliveries was more than enough to do the job.

Seymour sit in second, but had plenty of work to do to eventually secure a win over Avenel by five wickets.

It looked as though Seymour would have a dream day after Brodey Pointon scored a wicket with the second ball of the day, but Avenel worked hard to eventually score 7/147.

Pointon took 3/25, while Cameron Evans claimed 3/32.

In response, Seymour struggled to start with as it fell to 2/2, but Evans was the star of the show throughout the entire day as his unbeaten 81 was the key to Seymour finishing the job, ending on 5/150.

In the other result, Alexandra survived a thrilling affair against Yea, winning by two wickets, 8/82 chasing 81.

Tallarook scored a comfortable win against Pyalong in B grade, winning by seven wickets.

Pyalong had a great start with Peter Reynolds scoring 33 and Damien Zoch scoring 35, but Samuel Manchester would run riot through the Pyalong batting lineup, taking 4/28.

Pyalong looked to be in the game as it took three quick wickets to leave Tallarook 3/24, but Matt Whitfield’s 39 and Brendan O’Donnell’s 47 guided Tallarook home.

Seymour was no match for Avenel, losing by 38 runs.

Kharl Sison’s 3/24 led the way for Seymour with the ball, while Christopher Kemp, Braxton Tucker and Damian Murphy took two wickets apiece to roll Avenel for 113.

However, Seymour could not respond with the bat, with Murphy’s 24 and Doug France’s 17 the only scores in double figures as Seymour was bowled out for 75.

The other game saw Alexandra take a comprehensive six-wicket win over Yea, with the Tigers all out for just 24, and Alexandra 4/26 in response.

Historic launch for SDCA

The North Central Review

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December 2, 2025

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THE Seymour District Cricket Association (SDCA) is thrilled to announce the launch of its first-ever All Girls Cricket League, a groundbreaking initiative aimed at inspiring more female participation in cricket across the region.

The competition will kick off at Puckapunyal on Wednesday, December 3, with six action-packed rounds scheduled over the first three Wednesdays of December and February.

The league will feature four teams: Puckapunyal, Tallarook, Yea, and a composite SDCA All Stars team.

In an exciting twist, all games will be played simultaneously, ensuring a fast-paced and engaging experience for players and spectators alike.

Matches will follow the popular Master Blaster format, using a soft ball to keep the focus on fun, inclusivity and skill development. The 12 over a side games will see every player bat in a pair for four overs and bowl two overs each. Double runs are on offer in a Power Play Zone and players hit the ball of a tee following a wide or no ball.

This format emphasizes teamwork, fast scoring and continuous action, making it perfect for introducing new players to the game while keeping the intensity high.

“This is a historic moment for the SDCA,” SDCA President Mitch Itter said.

“Our All Girls League is just the beginning of our commitment to growing female participation in cricket.

“We’re incredibly excited to see these young athletes take to the field, develop their skills, and build a lifelong love for the game.”

“It’s all about having fun while learning the fundamentals.

“Master Blaster cricket allows everyone to be involved, and the energy around this league is already electric.

“We can’t wait to see the competition unfold over December and February.”

The SDCA is encouraging any girls interested in playing to contact their local cricket club or SDCA president Mitch Itter directly at pres.sdca@gmail.com.

With this inaugural season, the association hopes to lay the foundation for a vibrant, long-term pathway for girls in cricket across the region.

Big wet slows down cricket

Michael Thompson

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December 2, 2025

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ONLY a handful of games could be completed across the Gisborne District Cricket Association on the weekend.

McIntyre Cup

Broadford was unable to take advantage on the field, rolled for 110 against Romsey, and will return on Saturday leading by 28 runs, but needing seven wickets.

After losing a wicket with the third ball of the day through Samraat Sharma, Riley Nolan helped steady the innings with 33, while Jake Zerella scored 35, but it was not enough as Romsey opening bowler Louis Moore did the damage by taking 4/11 off nine overs.

In response, Broadford got off to a good start with the ball, with Matthew Hoyt and Benjamin Way falling quickly to leave Romsey 2/11, but Thomas Boyer’s 20, Corey Day’s 29 and Jed Richardson’s 21 helped Romsey settle, and they will begin day two on 3/82.

Wallan’s match with Sunbury United will be converted into a one-dayer, with no action on day one.

Johnstone Shield

In Johnstone Shield, some late hitting allowed Kilmore to make 190 against East Sunbury.

Five batsmen scored above 20 runs, led by Rhys Quinert who made a fighting 34, while Josh Squire provided valuable lower order hitting with 32.

Meantime, Eastern Hill quickly dispatched of Lancefield to score first innings points.

Save for Mitch McLean’s 46, the Tigers were no match for the Eagles in their first innings, with Oscar Newell taking 4/7 off six overs, Benjamin Bryant 3/20 off 15 overs and Fraser Lewis 2/20.

Eastern Hill will return next week seeking an outright victory, sitting on 3/104 with Oscar Newell 33 not out and Ollie Bryant unbeaten on 30.

Kookaburra Women’s

Only Lancefield took part across the weekend, with Kilmore forfeiting against Wallan in A grade, while Broadford’s match against Melton Centrals was abandoned.

Lancefield Black fell to Bacchus Marsh by 42 runs, with Bacchus Marsh batting first and scoring 2/135.

In response, Ebony Penny led the Tigers with 32 runs to leave them 4/93.

In B grade, Lancefield Yellow held on for a four-run victory.

Batting first, Emily Consiglio’s 53 helped the Tigers make 4/120, before a tense run chase saw the Thunder give it a good run, but eventually finish on 4/116, with Olivia Goodes leading the way for the Tigers with 2/21.

McIntyre Cup Seconds

Wallan’s McIntyre Cup seconds’ team will begin day two on 6/121 against Sunbury United at home, with Zac Bell an anchor at the top of the order after falling to 2/0, scoring 51, while Bradley Regan will begin unbeaten on 39.

Broadford and Romsey’s match at Harley Hammond Reserve was washed out on day one.

Johnstone Shield Seconds

Brayden Speechley’s unbeaten 103 was a highlight of Eastern Hill’s 5/374 against Lancefield, while Richard Grant scored 89 off just 49 balls in a whirlwind innings, and Peter Speechley 72 off 57 as the Eagles ran riot across the first 62 overs.

After declaring, Riley Graham took two quick wickets to leave Lancefield sitting on 2/22 at the end of the day’s play.

Kilmore’s seconds match with East Sunbury was washed out.

Lower Grades

Wallan’s Jensen Shield game was washed out with the Magpies sitting on 5/197, with Bhupraj Pangeni earlier making a terrific 97 off just 80 balls.

A number of Jensen Shield games were washed out, including Kilmore and Romsey’s, while Kilmore’s Club Grade game with Eastern Hill was also washed out.

In Club Grade North, Broadford took a five-wicket win over Woodend.

Martin Egan was chief destroyer in claiming 4/12 off seven overs, holding Woodend to 148. Blake Jones scored 43 in getting Broadford home.

Despite a strong top order performance, Wallan fell to Malmsbury by five wickets.

Andrew Bingham and Jason Dodd scored 39 and 34 respectively, but Malmsbury would soon close the gap and restricted Wallan to 5/137, before chasing down the target.

Grants Road closed indefinitely

The North Central Review

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December 2, 2025

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THE City of Whittlesea has temporarily closed Grants Road at the Plenty Road end after significant damage was identified on Thursday, November 20.

Large sections of the road surface have begun to break up, creating a clear safety risk for the community.

The deterioration is the direct result of heavy haul trucks travelling to and from a privately owned property where a large dam is being constructed under a permit issued by Melbourne Water.

Council has already been forced to close other damaged sections of Grants Road, and trucks diverting along the detour route have now caused further deterioration on those areas as well. Residents have reported hundreds of truck movements each day to and from the site.

Under the conditions of the approved Traffic Management Plan, any damage to the road must be repaired. Council is working with the property owner and their contractor to ensure urgent repairs are carried out so the road can be reopened as soon as it is safe.

Council is working closely with Melbourne Water to ensure the responsible parties meet their obligations and that disruptions to residents and local traffic are minimised.

While current laws do not allow Council to prevent trucks from using Grants Road, they are holding those responsible to account and ensuring they undertake the necessary repairs.

Doreen makes a splash

The North Central Review

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December 2, 2025

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CLOUDY skies did nothing to dull the joyous mood as dozens of local families showed up to celebrate the water being turned on at the revamped Hill Top Splash Park and Playground in Doreen.

The City of Whittlesea held the community event on Monday, November 10 to mark the official opening of the park’s new 150 square metre splash pad, which will be the perfect way to beat the heat this summer.

While free ice cream and coffee sweetened the deal, it was the new splash pad and expansive playground delivered as part of the $2.6 million upgrade of the Landano Way Park that proved the main attraction.

Informed by more than 700 individual submissions across two phases of community consultation, the park’s design includes a 150 square metre splash pad featuring jets, misters and water channels.

The playground, which opened to the public in August, includes among its features slides, swings, climbing nets and a trampoline, as well as a dedicated area for younger children to play.

The park also has a strong emphasis on nature play, with logs, boulders and winding paths for children to explore, while there are large picnic shelters and barbecues for family gatherings.

An upgraded car park, new public toilets, accessible paths and surfaces for people with impaired mobility and a Changing Places facility for people with higher needs ensure the park is welcoming to people of all ages and abilities.

The water to the splash pad, which is treated and recycled, will remain on during the warmer months before being switched off over winter.

City of Whittlesea Mayor Councillor Lawrie Cox said it was a great inclusion for the town just in time for summer.

“The upgraded Hill Top Splash Park and Playground in Doreen is a fantastic place where the whole family can go and enjoy quality time together,” he said.

“Visitors to the park have been enjoying the new playground since it opened earlier in the year and now the splash pad is sure to be a hit as the weather warms up.

“This is a wonderful example of how different levels of government can work together to deliver something that will benefit the community for many years to come.

“We thank both the Federal and State Government in helping make this park a success. The local members Rob Mitchell MP and Lauren Kathage MP have been critical to the successful outcome to this project.”

From the Boundary with Ray Carroll – December 2, 2025

Ray Carroll

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December 2, 2025

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ONCE UPON A TIME

A postcard recently of fox hunting near Camperdown in Southwest Victoria was a reminder of times when it was very popular in this area, especially in the Willowmavin area. There used to be quite a few hunt clubs in the region and meetings were regular during winter time. An Irish priest at St Patricks, Father Tim O’Callaghan was one of the key figures involved. The former Carlton football “great” was very keen on the pastime and was a regular participant for many years.

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WHEN IS THE NEXT?

Australia is strongly tipped by most pundits to win the Ashes series now underway. But there are worrying signs for the Australian game. The current side is an ageing one, dubbed “Dad’s Army”, once the name given to England’s teams. The selectors have let the game down in this country by ignoring the fact that there always needs to be transition. Across Australian cricket history each generation has thrown up fine players, some of them truly great. Think of the enormous impact the following names have had – Victor Trumper, Bill Pnsford, Stan McCabe, Don Bradman, Keith Miller, Ray Lindwall, Ian and Greg Chappell, Dennis Lillee, Shane Warne, Ricky Ponting, Adam Gilchrist, and Steve Smith.

Cricket in this county desperately needs another champion to emerge. It also requires selectors with some vision.

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Meanwhile Merv Hughes and many former Aussie players have slammed the authorities for selling all the iconic “Bay 13” seats to England’s Barmy Army. This area of the MCG has almost forever been the area filled with passionate Aussie fans. Ian Chappell has called it “despicable”.

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Cigarette sponsorship and advertising has long been banned from sport. Cricket here and in England enjoyed much financial support from the tobacco companies.

The little advertisement shown was from the Daily Mail in England in 1930, the year Don Bradman strode like a colossus through England. Such was his dominance that the top brass at Lord’s over several meetings devised the “bodyline” plan to take Bradman down in Australia in 1932-33. The plan worked in a drama filled series watched by enormous crowds. But Aussie fans were hostile and at Adelaide Oval when captain Bill Woodfull and keeper Bert Oldfield were filled by blows to the heart and head. Things turned really nasty and mounted police ringed the oval to stop angry fans from invading the pitch.

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However, in a recent story renowned sports journo Robert Craddock writes that England captain Douglas Jardine was a “genius” playing by the rules of the time. Jardine (pictured) was revelled by our crowds. Jardine’s Bodyline attack was led by two of the greatest fast bowlers ever, in Nottingham coalminers Harold Larwood and Bill Voce. Herewith is Craddock’s take on Jardine.

Enough is enough – it’s time to stop the sooking.

Australia calls England the land of the whingeing Porns, yet Australia has been whingeing about England’s Bodyline captain for 93 years.

Here are the facts. Jardine was ruthless, uncompromising and contrary, but he also orchestrated the greatest single plan in the history of cricket when he cut in half the greatest force the game had seen – Don Bradman.

Bradman’s career average was 99.94. In Bodyline, where England shamelessly aimed at the batsmen·s bodies with leg-side fields, he averaged just 56.57 as England won the series 4-l.

Brutal? Absolutely. Illegal? No. Not every Australian loathes Jardine. Allan Border called him a “tactical genius”, while Ian Chappell found him “fascinating” and wrote “it wasn’t Jardine’s fault the laws allowed for an exploitation of field placement he made use of’.

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BLOWN AWAY

Australia blew England away in the Perth test in two days. More than 100,000 watched the short and sharp encounter. Travis Head’s blazing century sent the crowd into a frenzy and the Poms packing. At lunch on day 2 England was in control – five hours later they were out – Bazballed.

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R.I.P TWO FINE LADIES

Kilmore residents Maureen Murphy and Jana Harding passed from this life a fortnight ago. Both were fine people, well loved.

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Maureen Murphy was farewelled by a large crowd of family and friends including many former teaching colleagues. She had been a highly regarded teacher at Rosanna and St Patricks Kilmore. Eulogies paid tribute to a much-loved mother and colleague. Maureen was proud of her two sons Greg and Bernard. Greg has for years been a leading figure in Kilmore Fire Brigade. Maureen was laid to rest at Eldorado in Northern Victoria.

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Jana Harding was married to well known identity Bill Harding who predeceased her some years ago. Jana worked for years at Kilmore veterinary clinic. She is survived by daughter Alex and the latter’s several children. Alex was a popular college girls captain at Assumption and during her college time Jana and Bill often hosted ACK sports teams for much appreciated BBQ’s. Jana will be much missed by family and all who knew her.

Just My Opinion with Ian Blyth – December 2, 2025

Ian Blyth

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December 2, 2025

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ON December 10, Victoria’s under-16 social media ban officially begins, hailed by the Federal Government as a bold step to protect young people from the well-documented harms of online platforms. The intentions are good, even overdue. But let’s be honest: a law alone won’t outsmart the most digitally fluent generation this country has ever raised.

Today’s teenagers navigate technology with the ease previous generations reserved for riding a bike. Blocking access on paper is one thing; stopping a determined 14-year-old who can set up a VPN, create a burner account, or borrow an older sibling’s phone is quite another. These kids aren’t just tech-comfortable, they’re tech-creative. If the ban becomes a game of cat and mouse between regulators and teenagers, we already know who’s quickest on their feet.

That’s not to dismiss the policy outright. Any step that slows the flood of harmful content, online bullying, addictive algorithms or predatory behaviour is worth exploring. The psychological toll social media takes on young people is real, measurable and deeply troubling. We can’t shrug and say “that’s just the modern world” while rates of anxiety, body image issues and cyberbullying continue to climb.

But the ban risks becoming a symbolic gesture unless paired with serious, sustained work in the real world, work that involves parents, schools, tech companies and, crucially, the young people themselves.

Parents, for a start, need support. Many feel overwhelmed by a digital landscape they never grew up with, unsure how to monitor, moderate or even understand the platforms their kids are using. Education programs and simple, practical tools will matter far more than another layer of regulation. A parent who knows how to check a device’s privacy settings is more effective than a blanket rule any day.

Schools also have a role: not as digital police, but as digital educators. We teach road safety long before a child sits behind a wheel; we need the same approach to online life. Digital literacy should be as fundamental as English and maths, teaching kids not just how to use technology, but how to navigate risk, think critically and understand the stakes of their online choices.

And tech companies, flush with billions in profit, cannot keep shrugging off responsibility. Age verification that actually works, algorithm transparency, and platforms designed with child safety in mind should be the baseline, not the exception.

The December 10 ban may slow some kids down. But it won’t stop them. The real solution lies not in pretending we can fence off the digital world, but in equipping young people to walk through it safely. Because the truth is simple: if we don’t outsmart the platforms, the platforms will outsmart us, and our kids will be the ones paying the price.

But then, that’s just my opinion.